Abstract: A financial transaction terminal is designed to receive both smart cards and debit cards and includes an access port for inserting or removing security modules such as SIM or SAM modules. A security switch arrangement is provided about the access port to protect the now accessible components of the terminal. Such a terminal provides the uncompromised physical security of a debit terminal with the flexibility and capabilities of a smart card terminal.

Abstract: A tamper proof arrangement utilizes a multi-layered conductive/non-conductive electrical member to electrically connect electrical contact pairs located on a circuit board. The electrical member is supported by caps associated with a housing which contains the circuit board. Release of the end caps from the housing results in the electrical contact member breaking the connection between electrical contact pairs. This arrangement is particularly suited where a series of contact pairs are present and the electrical member closes each pair separately. In this way multi-pole switches are formed.

Abstract: The transaction terminal receives and reads information maintained on the card in a magnetic stripe or in an integrated circuit. A carriage is moved by an inserted card and moves from an initial position to a read position. The carriage is powered by the inserted card, and when the card is in the read position, the carriage is released and a magnetic head scans a magnetic stripe provided on the card. The terminal also causes an electrical connector to engage a card in the read position and form an electrical circuit with an integrated circuit if the card is a Smart Card. If a card is partially inserted, the carriage is held and does not automatically return to the initial position. Preferrably, a series of carriage hold positions are provided between the initial position and the read position. The terminal works in the same manner regardless of what type of card is used. In this way, the user merely fully inserts the card in the appropriate manner.

Abstract: A signature device for capture or capture and verification includes a variety of advantageous features including, for example, an ability to work in conjunction with an IC card; an improved angle correction technique; an improved technique for adapting to biometric signature changes; and many other new improvements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to game cards and systems for tracking game cards. A computer tracking system is used which includes game or lottery type cards which must be activated to be eligible for a particular game or event. The activation step includes reading of a unique serial number or other identification code uniquely identifying the card. With this system, surplus game cards can be disposed of when they have not been activated. This simplifies tracking of sales of game cards and simplifies the distribution of funds to various parties in the sale and distribution chain.

Abstract: A card reader stores the energy imparted by a user inserting a card into a slot. When the card is fully inserted, a release mechanism is triggered and the stored energy moves a read head over a coded stripe. In the preferred embodiment, a torsion spring mounted on a carriage winds about an axle. The axle has a gear at one end which engages a rack fixed on the base of the reader. The gear and axle rotate as the carriage is moved relative to the reader, thereby winding the torsion spring and storing energy. A set of ratchet teeth mounted on the base prevents the return of the carriage before the card is fully inserted into the slot. The reader can also accommodate reading and writing to smart cards.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coded seal which allows a device to determine whether unauthorized access to a terminal or other electronic or security device has been made. The code includes a series of continuous and discontinuous members which are used to form a code. Breaking of the seal causes the members to be discontinuous and makes it difficult to determine what the code was. In this way, it is difficult to replace the seal, as this would only be successful if the replacement seal had the same code.

Abstract: A secure terminal is disclosed which has a single keypad and display which is suitable as a debit terminal, as both confidential and nonconfidential information can be entered. Confidential information is entered in secure text mode whereas nonconfidential information is entered in clear text mode. The terminal defaults to secure text mode where all information is encrypted. In clear text mode all prompts are independently authenticated by a secure module prior to displaying of the prompt. Prompts for clear text mode are preprogrammed preferably with an Authentication Parameter which is confirmed by the secure module whenever that prompt is used in clear text mode. The invention is also directed to the methods for rendering a terminal and system secure for receiving confidential and nonconfidential information.

Abstract: A reading head mounting arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof an upright mounting member for mounting of a reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a information containing stripe attached to a card. Preferably, the base has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps for a credit card being slid over the base, whereby when the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a slot for passage of a credit card past a magnetic stripe reading head, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the slot provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot. Accuracy in positioning the strip for movement past the magnetic head is predetermined during the manufacture of the mounting arrangement.